appeared in one playoff game during the 1995 playoffs, going 0–0 with a 2.40 GAA and a .900 save percentage. Billington returned to the Bruins for the 1995–96 season. In 27 games, Billington posted a 10–13–3 with a 3.44 GAA and a .867 save percentage. In the 1996 playoffs, Billington made one start, allowing six goals in a 6–2 loss to the Florida Panthers. Florida Panthers (1996) Billington signed with the Florida Panthers on September 5, 1996. After attending camp with the Panthers, he was made available for the NHL Waiver Draft. On September 30, 1996, the Colorado Avalanche selected Billington. Colorado Avalanche (1996–1999) Billington was selected by the Colorado Avalanche during the waiver draft held on September 30, 1996. On October 17, Billington made his Avalanche debut, making 30 saves in a 2–1 loss to the Florida Panthers. In his next start, on October 28, Billington stopped all 40 shots he faced in a 1–0 victory over the Washington Capitals for his first win with the Avalanche. In 23 games with Colorado during the 1996–97 season, Billington was 11–8–2 with a 2.65 GAA and a .909 save percentage. In one post-season game, Billington played 20 minutes, as he had a 0–0 record with a 3.00 GAA and a .923 save percentage. Billington returned to Colorado for the 1997–98 season. In 23 games, Billington posted a 8–7–4 record with a 2.32 GAA and a .923 save percentage. In the 1998 post-season, Billington saw one minute of action. In 1998–99, Billington had a record of 11–8–1 with a 2.87 GAA and a .894 save percentage in 21 games. In the 1999 playoffs, Billington appeared in one game, playing nine minutes. He had a 0–0 record with a 6.68 GAA and a .833 save percentage. On July 16, 1999, the Avalanche traded Billington to the Washington Capitals for future considerations. Washington Capitals (1999–2003) Billington made his debut with the Washington Capitals on October 19, 1999, as he played the third period against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in relief of starting goalie Olaf Kolzig. In 20 minutes of playing time, Billington made three saves on six shots in a 7–1 loss. On October 31, Billington made his first start with the Capitals, making 20 saves in a 2–1 loss to the San Jose Sharks. In his next start, on November 20, Billington stopped all 28 shots he faced in a 3–0 victory